site.btaEnvironment Ministry Mulls Introducing Quality Requirements for Solid Fuels, Ways to Support the Poor without Environmental Pollution - Experts

Environment Ministry Mulls Introducing Quality Requirements for Solid Fuels, Ways to Support the Poor without Environmental Pollution -  Experts 

Sofia, April 4 (BTA) - Answering a question by BTA, the
Environment and Water Ministry said it was looking into the
possible introduction of quality requirements for solid fuels
such as coal and briquettes so as to reduce their sulphur and
ash content.

Such restrictions should lower sulphur dioxide and fine dust
particle emissions, according to the Environment Ministry. A
working group involving experts from various departments and
representatives of the municipal authorities will be set up to
discuss possible legal changes concerning the quality of solid
fuels for household use.

Due to their affordable price, coal and briquettes are much in
demand for heating during winter. However, along with motor
vehicles, they account for the largest emissions of fine dust
particles in the air.

In 2012 Bulgaria was the worst polluted Member State of the
European Environment Agency with particles with a diameter of
less than 10 micrometres, known as particulate matter (PM) 10.
In 2012, nearly 90 per cent of Bulgaria's population was exposed
 to excessive levels of PM10, compared to a European average of
38 per cent.

State support accounts partly for the competitive price of coal.
 The latest analysis of Greenpeace Bulgaria shows that the State
 stands to lose over 300 million leva from direct and indirect
subsidies to the coal sector between mid-2013 and mid-2015. One
major loss comes from the long-term contracts for buying energy
from the US-owned coal-fired power plants in the Maritsa Basin,
AES Maritza East 1 and ContourGlobal Maritsa East 3. The energy
regulator estimates this loss at  274 million leva.

As to the health detriment, the Maritza East 2 TPP alone
generated 1,200 million leva of health care costs due to
pollution in 2012, while its operating revenue totalled 670
million leva. About 2,000 people are on sick leave every day due
 to conditions caused by coal burning, said Teodora Stoyanova of
 Greenpeace Bulgaria.

The free quotas granted by the State to the energy sector in
2013-2020 will amount to 945 million euro. The plants save on
costs and continue to pollute the air and harm people's health.
Greenpeace Bulgaria called for elimination of all "perks" and
institutional support for the sector.

Asked by BTA, the Environment Ministry provided data based on
the National Plan for Quota Allocation in 2008-2012 showing that
 thermal power plants were allocated 151,779,140 quotas at an
average price of 16.87 euro/quota.

According to Article 10B of Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a
scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the
Community, the allocation to TPPs in Bulgaria for 2013 stood at
10,678,747 quotas at an average price of 4.39 euro/quota.